Merhhh i want to hear others' opinions, as I don't know what to think of my buns. Both of them live in a 4 storey "apartment" (ferret cage) when I'm out. When I come back, I let them out by opening the door (usually at least 5 hours a day or more). Sometimes, they'll come out, but sometimes they don't. It's not that they don't know how to for sure, because when I have veggies in my living room and I call them, both of them charge down the 4 levels, jump out and hop to where the veggies are. However, it feels like they like to stay in their cage instead? For example, even if they do jump out of their cage, they usually just hop around for 15 mins or so, and then suddenly decide it's time to go "home". Is this weird? I mean, sometimes I feel like I'm not giving them enough time to exercise because even though they have the choice to come out, they don't! Help!

Hokankai

252 posts

9/06/2012 6:56 PM

Mine are the same way. Some just don't care about getting out as much as others I guess. I think part of it is that my cage is so big that they have enough room to stretch their legs in there. I just leave the door open and they come out for a few minutes at a time and then go back.

Beka27Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

Forum Leader

15873 posts

9/07/2012 2:56 AM

The enclosure is their territory, so it's perfectly normal that they will be more comfortable in their space. This is why I think that even for people who have free range rabbits, it's important to have a space that is theirs specifically. Is their exercise time when they are most active?

Meadow.....
...... Max, my angel bunny

Sarita(Dallas)

Forum Leader

18277 posts

9/07/2012 3:02 AM

I agree with Beka, it's perfectly normal.

peppypooTexas

Forum Leader

1953 posts

9/09/2012 1:59 PM

Yep, sounds normal. What time of day do you usually let them out? Bunnies are most active in the morning and evening and usually sleep all afternoon.

Even if I'm at home all afternoon and I leave Peppy's enclosure open, she'll lounge in her corner the entire time. I usually let her out for a while in the morning (from when I wake up until when I have to leave) and again when I get home in the evening - I find that her active times will actually change depending on how late I stay up, haha.

Tammo (RIP), Milo (RIP), Peppy, Remi

wabble

49 posts

9/09/2012 4:14 PM

They'll have maybe a few minutes of active time, and then that's it. I know that buns tend to be most active at dawn/dusk, but mine seem to not follow this- their moments can be at any given time. Anyway, good that it's not something to worry about. The only thing I'm afraid of is that they don't get exercise and become miserable, but they don't look like it. they just look like lazy piggies who like to sleep all day!

Hokankai

252 posts

9/10/2012 5:30 PM

If they're choosing not to exercise then they won't be miserable

ElrohwenHudson Valley, NY

Forum Leader

7322 posts

9/11/2012 4:27 AM

It's normal. Try actively engaging them more when they're out the cage - get them to come out, then train some tricks, or set up some boxes for them, or something. If I didn't have bunny toys and treats in the living room, mine wouldn't come out much either. I make sure that the living room is an interesting place for them so they're excited to come out.

- Elrohwen

Brandy

30 posts

9/12/2012 5:07 AM

I agree, normal. I have three pair that each have their own spaces but the gates to their enclosures are rarely closed. Each enclosure is large enough for me to lay down comfortably (I like to read to them before bed) so they aren't cramped. They will come out a little here and there but mostly in the evenings. I have tunnels, hide spots, toys, and snacks in the living room and that helps to draw them out. I think they also like playing with the other rabbits. It's fun to see them all interact now that they are getting along better. 8-10 pm is prime bunny time at my house. I think giving them the option is the important part.

Skipper's MamaFlorida

1252 posts

9/13/2012 8:35 AM

It's normal. =] I've tried letting my bun out of her cage at different times of the day and depending on the time she'll just want to chill out in her own space and sleep. I've set up a rountine where I take her out at her most active time of the day to make sure she gets her exercise. If you're worried about them not getting enough exercise then maybe monitoring them and trying to see when they are most active, take them out then. Other than that, there's not really anything you have to worry about. =]